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- Thousands of Shia Muslims across Pakistan conduct religious gatherings and processions in Muharram
- Militants in the past have stoked sectarian tensions by targeting Muharram gatherings and processions
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for provinces, security teams and intelligence agencies to establish “close coordination” with each other to maintain peace across Pakistan during Muharram and prevent attacks on religious gatherings and processions.
Muharram marks the beginning of the new year in the Islamic lunar calendar during which Shia Muslims across Pakistan hold gatherings and organize religious processions to pay homage to Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Hundreds of thousands take out processions across the country on Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, to mourn Hussain’s martyrdom centuries ago in Karbala, present-day Iraq. Militants in the past have stoked sectarian tensions in the country by attacking religious processions in Muharram.
“Regarding Muharram, the Ministry of Interior, interior secretary, their teams and provinces should be in close coordination with other institutes like NACTA [National Counter Terrorism Authority] for sharing their information and intelligence,” Sharif said while speaking to members of his cabinet during a meeting.
He urged the center to extend help to all provinces, Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan areas on a need basis to ensure foolproof security.
“We should pray to God that this month passes by in a peaceful manner and strengthens national unity,” the premier added.
The Punjab government last week requested the interior ministry to ban social media platforms from Muharram 6-11 across the province citing security concerns.
Pakistan’s government on Tuesday announced a two-day holiday on July 16 and 17 due to Muharram 9 and 10, the date for Ashura.